10962 Advanced Automated Administration with Windows PowerShell

This is a three-day course that will teach students how to automate administrative tasks using Windows PowerShell 5.1. Students will learn core scripting skills such as creating advanced functions, writing controller scripts, and handling script errors. Students will learn how to works with Windows PowerShell Workflow, the REST API and XML and JSON formatted data files, Students will also learn how to use new administration tools such Desired State Configuration (DSC) and Just Enough Administration (JEA) to configure and secure servers.

Module 1: Creating advanced functions
This module explains how to parameterize a command into an advanced function.
Lessons

Converting a command into an advanced function
Creating a script module
Defining parameter attributes and input validation
Writing functions that accept pipeline input
Producing complex pipeline output
Documenting functions by using comment-based help
Supporting -WhatIf and -Confirm

Lab : Converting a command into an advanced function

Converting a command into an advanced function

Lab : Creating a script module

Creating a script module

Lab : Defining parameter attributes and input validation

Defining parameter attributes and input validation

Lab : Writing functions that accept pipeline input

Writing functions that accept pipeline input

Lab : Producing complex pipeline output

Producing complex pipeline output

Lab : Documenting functions by using comment-based help

Documenting functions by using comment-based help

Lab : Supporting -WhatIf and -Confirm

Supporting -WhatIf and -Confirm

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Convert a command into an advanced function.
Create a script module.
Define parameter attributes and input validation.
Write functions that accept pipeline input.
Produce complex pipeline output.
Document functions by using comment-based help.
Support -WhatIf and -Confirm.

Module 2: Using Microsoft .NET Framework and REST API in Windows PowerShell
This module explains how to use Microsoft .NET Framework and REST API to supplement functionality that Windows PowerShell commands provide.
Lessons

Using Microsoft .NET Framework in Windows PowerShell
Using REST API in Windows PowerShell

Lab : Using Microsoft .NET Framework in Windows PowerShell

Using Microsoft .NET Framework in Windows PowerShell

Lab : Using REST API in Windows PowerShell

Using REST API in Windows PowerShell

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Use Microsoft .NET Framework in Windows PowerShell.
Use REST API in Windows PowerShell.

Module 3: Writing controller scripts
This module explains how to combine advanced functions that perform a specific task and a controller script that provides a user interface or automates a business process.
Lessons

Introducing controller scripts
Writing controller scripts that display a user interface
Writing controller scripts that produce reports

Lab : Writing controller scripts

Writing controller scripts that display a user interface
Writing controller scripts that implement a text-based menu

Lab : Writing controller scripts that produce HTML reports

Writing functions to be used in the controller script
Writing a controller script that produces HTML reports

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Describe controller scripts.
Write controller scripts that display a user interface.
Write controller scripts that produce reports.

Module 4: Handling script errors
This module explains how to perform basic error handling in scripts.
Lessons

Understanding error handling
Handling errors and timeouts in a script

Lab : Handling errors in a script

Handling errors in a script

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Describe error handling.
Handle errors and timeouts in a script.

Module 5: Using XML, JSON, and custom-formatted data
This module explains how to read, manipulate, and write data in XML and JSON format.
Lessons

Reading, manipulating, and writing XML-formatted data
Reading, manipulating, and writing JSON-formatted data
Reading and manipulating custom-formatted data

Lab : Reading, manipulating, and writing XML-formatted data

Testing the provided tools
Updating an XML inventory document

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Read, manipulate, and write XML-formatted data.
Read, manipulate, and write JSON-formatted data.
Read and manipulate custom-formatted data.

Module 6: Enhancing server management with Desired State Configuration and Just Enough Administration
This module explains how to write Desired State Configuration (DSC) configuration files, deploy those files to servers, and monitor server's configurations. This module also explains how to restrict administrative access with Just Enough Administration (JEA).
Lessons

Understanding Desired State Configuration
Creating and deploying a DSC configuration
Implementing Just Enough Administration

Lab : Creating and deploying a DSC configuration

Creating and deploying a DSC configuration

Lab : Configuring and using JEA

Configuring and using JEA

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand DSC.
Create and deploy a DSC configuration.
Implement JEA.

Module 7: Analyzing and debugging scripts
This module explains how to use native Windows PowerShell features to analyze and debug existing scripts.
Lessons

Debugging in Windows PowerShell
Analyzing and debugging an existing script

Lab : Analyzing and debugging an existing script

Analyzing and debugging an existing script

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Debug in Windows PowerShell.
Analyze and debug an existing script.

Module 8: Understanding Windows PowerShell Workflow
This module explains the features of the Windows PowerShell Workflow technology.
Lessons

Understanding Windows PowerShell Workflow

Lab : Creating and running a Windows PowerShell Workflow

Creating and running a Windows PowerShell Workflow

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Describe and implement the Workflow feature of Windows PowerShell.